From the course: Writing a Resume

Tips for job hoppers

From the course: Writing a Resume

Tips for job hoppers

“

- Have you had multiple jobs that lasted for less than one year? Are you stuck in a temporary job cycle? You know, the one where you can't get a permanent job because you've had too many temporary jobs, but you keep accepting temporary assignments because that's all you're offered? If you're trying to obtain a full time job and build stability in your career, I have some tips for you. Let's talk about how to structure your resume to increase your chances of getting an interview for the job you want. If you have been labeled as a job hopper, a functional resume is an excellent option for you. This structure is helpful because it groups your skills and functional experience together rather than using the traditional chronological order. The modern functional resume still provides your dates of employment on your resume, which is necessary if you ever intend to get a job in the US. An example of a functional resume is included in the exercise files. Many recruiters frown upon using a functional resume. But I think it's because there's a lack of awareness about how useful it can be, and also because it's more difficult for a recruiter to dismiss your experience or lack thereof. But that's great news for you. A functional resume demands that the reader spend a little more time deciphering it. It requires the reader to look holistically at your skillset to see whether or not it applies to the job. Alternatively, you can utilize an additional section in your resume and label it contract assignments or freelance work, whichever label fits. The benefit of using this strategy is it breaks up your employment history and doesn't make it too obvious that you have had multiple short stints at various jobs. I have seen individuals use both styles on their resume and I believe that as long as you can explain why your information is presented the way that it is and you have not lied on your resume, you can feel free to take either approach. Becoming creative with your resume should not be confused with fabricating information. Creativity is one thing. Lying is another. To overcome hurdles, you do need to showcase your abilities and place your information and experience in a positive light. Just don't go overboard. In my role as a recruiter, I have frequently been asked if it's all right to omit an entire job from a resume. While the answer seems as though it should be an immediate no, let's think about this for a moment. If you had a temporary job that lasted for three weeks, do you really need to include it on your resume? Also, who really is your employer? Is it the individual companies where you physically worked or is it the staffing agency that placed you in these temporary jobs? It's always a good idea to have your resume reviewed by someone else before distributing it. Your college career center is a good place to start. If you didn't go to college, you can check for resources at your local library, a WorkSource center, or one of the hundreds of organizations that provide support for individuals seeking work.

Contents